Blockbusters help Cineworld takings

Marion Dakers is deputy news editor and covers the transport and professional services beat.

Marion Dakers

CINEWORLD has boosted revenues since the start of the year by raising ticket prices to offset falling admissions.

The firm, which is poised to enter the FTSE 250 in next month’s reshuffle, said the average ticket price has risen 3.9 per cent since 28 December, helping boost box office revenues 11.4 per cent despite admissions “marginally lower” than last year.

Cineworld’s purchase of Picturehouse also helped lift takings. The deal has been referred to the Competition Commission.

Other income, including screen advertising, was up 53.9 per cent on the previous year.

Blockbusters such as the latest instalments of Iron Man, Star Trek and the Hunger Games are set to drive sales for the rest of the year.